Lia Chang News

The 2018 Inaugural NAAP (National Asian Artists Project) Gala took place on December 2nd celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Rodgers & Hammerstein's groundbreaking musical 'Flower Drum Song'. Cast members from numerous productions including the original 1958 Broadway company, tours, the 1961 film and the 2002 Broadway revival took over the Golden Unicorn Restaurant in the heart of Chinatown for a magical evening that included a spectacular eight course Chinese banquet and a sensational show.

The Little Dancer, a new holiday family musical written by Commonwealth Youthchoirs (CY)'s Founder and Artistic Director Steven Fisher, had its world premiere on December 1st at Theatre 71, off Broadway. Helmed by Richard Vida,The Little Dancer tells the heart-warming story of how fourteen-year-old Marie Van Goethem, the model for Edgar Degas' one and only sculpture, became the most famous ballerina in the world.

The New-York Historical Society held their annual History Makers Gala on November 6 at 583 Park in New York. This year's honorees included New-York Historical Trustee Dr. H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang, who received the New-York Historical Society Medal of Merit for Public Engagement; Harry Potter editor Arthur A. Levine, who received the New-York Historical Society Distinguished Service Award; and world-renowned entertainer and celebrated Harry Potter audiobook voice actor Jim Dale, who received the 2018 History Makers Award in recognition of the exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic, now on view at New-York Historical.

On Tuesday night, HADESTOWN opened in the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre in London.

HADESTOWN has been playing to enthusiastic preview audiences in the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre in London since November 2 and Press night is set for Tuesday, November 13 at 7pm.

National Asian Artists Project and Prospect Theater Company presented a sold-out concert reading of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Into the Woods at The TimesCenter in New York on October 20. Scroll down for photos of backstage, performance and the reception.

On October 25th, Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) and Ma-Yi Theater Company presented an excerpt from Lloyd Suh's new play The Chinese Lady, which begins performances on Theatre Row on November 7 and will play a limited run through November 18, 2018. The two-hander stars Shannon Tyo (Bright Half Life) as 'Afong Moy' and Daniel K. Isaac ('Billions') as 'Atung'. Click here for more information and tickets.

The Billie Holiday Theatre at RestorationART, in association with Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company, is presenting Colman Domingo's Dot under the direction of Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon (American Son currently on Broadway starring Kerry Washington, A Raisin in the Sun and August Wilson's Fences) and starring Emmy Award-winning Billie Holiday Theatre alumna Denise Burse ('Black Mirror,' Tyler Perry's 'House of Payne') as Dotty. The production began previews on October 20th, opened on October 25th and will run through November 18th at The Billie Holiday Theatre, 1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216. Scroll down for full coverage of the evening's festivities.

National Asian Artists Project and Prospect Theater Company presented a sold-out concert reading of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Into the Woods at The TimesCenter in New York on October 20.

Ma-Yi Theater Company is presenting the World Premiere of SESAR, written by and performed by Orlando Pabotoy who previously acted with Ma-Yi, in his playwrighting debut, October 20 - November 1, 2018. Helmed by Richard Feldman, SESAR is now in previews for a Wednesday, October 24 opening night on Theatre Row at The Beckett (410 W 42nd St). Tickets can be purchased by calling 212-239-6200; or online.

National Asian Artists Project (NAAP) and Prospect Theater Company will present a special one-night-only concert reading of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Into the Woods October 20 at 7:30 PM at The TimesCenter (242 W. 41st Street).

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in New York was abuzz last Thursday when critical darling Ed Lin celebrated the release of his latest mystery, 99 Ways to Die (Soho Crime), featuring an evening of Taiwanese street snacks, a book signing, music and a raffle.

Gettin' The Band Back Together cast members reunited to sing their faces off at Broadway Sessions this past Thursday night. Performers included cast members Becca Kotte, Garth Kravits, Lindsey Brett Carothers, Ian Ward, Scott Foster, Noa Solorio and Mitchell Jarvis.

Last night, 'Livin' On A Prairie,' a six episode series created by and starring Broadway's Pamela Bob (Hand to God, A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder), screened to a sold-out house at Spring Studios as an official selection of the 2nd Tribeca TV Festival's Fall Pilot Season.The world premieres of five indie comedy pilots showcasing new voices in episodic storytelling ranged from conventions of adulthood, sex and…William Shakespeare. Scroll down to see photos of the cast and creative team of 'Livin' on a Prairie' having a blast at The Festival.

America's Got Talent's Jeffrey Li made his musical theater debut in the developmental reading of Lainie Sakakura (producer/book) and Paul Fujimoto's (music/lyrics) CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, a musical adaptation of The New York Times Best Selling novel, HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET by Jamie Ford at The Playroom Theater in New York on September 17.

The cast of GETTIN' THE BAND BACK TOGETHER have had many guests from the Broadway community throughout its run. Among those were Lori Tan Chinn, Baayork Lee, Paul Shaffer, Andre De Shields, Denise Burse, Tracie Thoms, Jose Llana, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Marsha Mason, Alex Newell, Daniel K. Isaac, the kids from SCHOOL OF ROCK, Eric William Morris and his cast members from KING KONG.

J. Elaine Marcos debuted her hilarious one woman show What I Did for...a Job at Feinstein's/54 Below on September 5.

Last night, GETTIN' THE BAND BACK TOGETHER welcomed some high-profile guests, including Jose Llana, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Marsha Mason, Jaygee Macapugay, Nikka Graff Lanzarone and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND's Alex Newell. GETTIN' THE BAND BACK TOGETHER is playing through September 16 at The Belasco Theatre on Broadway. Scroll down for photos of the visitors backstage.

The OBIE Award-winning NAATCO, National Asian American Theatre Company, kicks off their 28th season with Stephen Brown-Fried's new adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry VI. This Off-Broadway limited engagement at the Mezzanine Theatre at A.R.T./New York Theaters (502 West 53rd Street at Tenth Avenue) opens Tuesday August 21st (Part 1) and Wednesday August 22nd (Part 2).  Performances continue through September 8th only.